Best Case Scenario - Now with more Pumpkin!

This week on Best Case Scenario, we decided to mix it up a bit by reviewing three new iPod touch 4th generation cases from Incipio, and two new cases for your, hopefully not too forgotten, iPad.

Now, we've only had the 4th generation iPod touch for a few short weeks, but already it's a bit scratched up on both the backside and the edges of its gorgeous Retina Display screen. While there’s nothing much else we can do about that, at least we can cover up the chassis of the iOS device to keep it from enduring even more battle scars.

Incipio Edge

The Edge hard shell protective case from Incipio is made of high density, form-fitting polycarbonate that will surely protect your device from scratches--just don’t bet on it to break a fall. The case is so thin that, even though we appreciate the room in our pockets and handbags, we’re afraid the thing will shatter if we drop it on cold concrete. The angled shape on the edges of the iPod also make accessing the volume and power buttons difficult--there is no comfortable way to access both the volume and power buttons with one hand. Adjusting the iPod’s volume while it’s rested in this case takes two hands—one to hold it, and a thumb to jab at it. This is unacceptable for the commuter who might only have one hand available to adjust the volume, or a runner who doesn’t want to stop their pace because they can’t turn up the sound on their favorite dance track. ($29.99, coming soon)

While we like the fact that this case is stylish and thin, the Incipio Edge case just doesn’t work too well with the iPod touch’s form factor.

Incipio Hive Gaming Case

The iPod touch was made for gaming, so naturally you’d want a case that helps you grab a hold of the device as if it’s a controller for a gaming console. The Incipio Hive Gaming Case enabled us to get a comfortable and steady hold on the iPod touch with its molded grip design so that we could easily drive through Cro-Mag Rally without bumping into walls and veering off course. The case isn’t too bulky either and the hexagonal design on the back camouflages the fact that this is a case made specifically for iOS gamers. ($19.99; coming soon)

Incipio Dotties

Out of all the iPod touch cases we saw from Incipio, this one was our favorite. The Incipio Dotties are a family of cases that come with customizable backings--that is, you can change the “dots” on the back of the case in whatever pattern you like. The high density silicone will actually break the fall of your device should such an atrocity ever occur. It isn’t too bulky either, and the volume and power buttons work just as well as if the device were left stark naked. ($29.99; coming soon)

Scosche Folio iCase for iPad

We’re not opposed to the idea of a professional looking, leather texture portfolio case for the iPad. In fact, we were all gung ho about this product until we realized that it doesn’t actually hold the iPad very well. The tabs at the edges of Scosche’s Folio case weren’t sturdy enough to keep the iPad in its place, and there were a few instances when we were afraid that the device would fall out of the tabs and on to the floor. However, we could see this case come in handy for those who aren’t rough and tumblers like we are, because the case has so many orientations--you can set the iPad at four different angels. So if you’re the type that needs the perfect positioning to type on the tablet device, or like to watch movies at a certain angle, this case could work for iPads that don’t usually find themselves away from home. ($49.99)

iBallz

If the word “ballz” in the product name doesn’t make you giggle, the way they look on an iPad will. The iBallz are supposed to be a “stabilizing and shock absorbing harness” for your tablet device, and while they’re pretty silly looking and will undoubtedly receive plenty of snickering laughs from your friends and neighbors, they manage to get the job done. The balls slide over the device corners and press into place so that your iPad resembles a boxing ring after the fact. But, the ballz do protect the iPad from ever touching a dirty, greasy kitchen table, and you can undo one of the iBallz to keep the tablet device angled for typing. In theory, this is a great idea, but we wouldn’t rely on the iBallz as the only source of protection for the iPad. ($19.95)